I am 68 year old male, just diagnosed. Blood tests show T Cell count of 908, with Viral load 8731. Doctor has immediately prescribed the following: Reyataz,Viread and emtriva. Currently take zocar and flomax. Concerned about: reaction to zocar and my liver, as well as why I should start treatment this early. I am not too happy with my current doctors approach; which seems to be get on treatment as soon as possible. Your thoughts would be most helpful. Thank you.

Response from Dr. Henry

I usually would not begin treatment in an patient with blood test results such as you describe. The current US guidelines recommend therapy if the CD4 count is < 350, if there are symptoms, or possibly if the viral load is high (i.e. > 100,000). You should feel comfortable with the approach taken in your care. A good HIV specialist/doc usually would be a good listener and weigh your concerns/beliefs strongly in the decision of when to treat. KH

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